Food Safety Instructional Support Technician, CAFES

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Senior Associate Dean, the primary purpose of the Instructional Support Technician II (IST) position is to provide course and research support for faculty and students in the CAFES food safety laboratories. As part of the technical & operational staff team, the IST helps implement and monitor laboratory safety and hygiene policies and contributes to their further development and improvement. The IST aids in scheduling equipment, instrument, and facility utilization as well as coordinating between equipment technicians for calibration and regular maintenance, vendors and other stakeholders. The IST provides training in the use of department equipment and instruments, and partners with faculty to develop, refine, and implement activities that incorporate the latest scientific knowledge into the teaching and research programs and projects.

Department Summary

Cal Poly's College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES) is the largest non-land grant agricultural program in the U.S and the fifth largest of any college of agriculture in the country. The college is a leader in providing students with real world skills based on Learn by Doing laboratory and field intensive curriculum, contemporary instructional technology, and uncommon access to senior faculty in small class settings. The college spans more than 6,000 acres of land adjacent to the campus core, as well as an additional 4,000 acres throughout the state. It is comprised of 10 academic departments and approximately 170 faculty, 80 staff, and 4,100 students in 17 majors and 5 graduate programs. In addition, the college is home to a number of unique enterprise projects, centers and institutes. CAFES has a nationally recognized education and applied research program in agriculture, food, environmental science, and related fields and produces high-performing graduates who become leaders in industry, agencies, and other universities. 

Key Qualifications

• Knowledge and experience in a biosafety level 2 laboratory, following basic biosafety protocols.
• Knowledge and experience in aseptic technique, media preparation, and basic food microbiology techniques.
• Knowledge of the common principles, methods and techniques of microbiology, chemistry, biochemistry, and/or biotechnology as they relate to food science with a focus in food microbiology and food safety.
• Knowledge and experience in biosafety principles and microbiological practice.
• Knowledge of the materials, supplies, and equipment utilized in microbiology, chemistry, and biochemistry, and the ability to evaluate the materials and supplies commonly used in labs for these purposes as they relate to food microbiology and food safety. Ability to prepare specialized materials, reagents, and samples for use in food safety and food microbiology teaching and research, including use of autoclaves to sterilize material and bio-hazardous waste.
• Ability to operate scientific and technical lab equipment and instruments and to interpret results.
• Ability to adjust and make minor repairs on scientific and technical lab equipment.
• Ability to respond quickly and appropriately in emergencies due to the presence of dangerous situations or hazardous materials; knowledge of and ability to read and understand Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and other hazardous property reference materials.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to set own priorities to coordinate multiple assignments with fluctuating and time-sensitive deadlines.
• Ability to independently handle multiple priorities including projects, training, and/or guidance to others.

Education and Experience

• Three years of experience providing instructional support services in a related discipline, acting as a student assistant, or in producing materials or supplies related to the discipline (two years of college with 16 semester units in courses in the related specialty area discipline may be substituted for one year of required experience OR four years of college with 16 semester units in courses in the related specialty area discipline may be substituted for two years of required experience).

Salary and Benefits

Anticipated Hiring Range: $5,167 - $6,833 monthly 

Classification Range: $4,608 - $7,998 monthly

Cal Poly offers a best-in-class benefits program, including health, dental and vision insurance, retirement participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System, and educational benefits for eligible employees. See our benefits website for additional information. 

Cal Poly

Cal Poly is a nationally-ranked public university located in San Luis Obispo, California, and known for its Learn by Doing philosophy. Each year more than 20,000 top-tier students come to San Luis Obispo to put knowledge into action, taking their learning outside the classroom as they prepare for careers in engineering, agriculture, science, business, humanities and the built environment. Cal Poly’s hands-on philosophy, small class sizes and close student-faculty mentorships result in graduates ready from day one to impact their communities, California and the world. For more information, visit calpoly.edu.

Diversity Statement

At Cal Poly, we believe that cultivating an environment that embraces and promotes diversity is fundamental to the success of our students, our employees and our community. Bringing people together from different backgrounds, experiences and value systems fosters the innovative and creative thinking that exemplifies Cal Poly's values of free inquiry, cultural and intellectual diversity, mutual respect, civic engagement, and social and environmental responsibility.

Cal Poly's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring and retention. Cal Poly is an equal opportunity employer. 

Supplemental Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. Cal Poly will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. Applicants for staff and management positions must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Positions are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days.